If you’re wondering whether to write in case or incase, you’re not alone. Many people mix up these two spellings.
You should always write in case, with a space separating the two words, because it is the correct spelling. Incase isn’t a real word, it’s just a misspelling of the verb encase or the phrase in case.
This article will explain how to remember the difference between incase and in case, and help you use this word correctly in your writing.
In Case Definition
In case is a phrase that means “if it’s true that” or “as a precaution against the possibility that.”
What Does In Case Mean?
We use the phrase in case to talk about something that might be true.
For example, you might say, “In case you weren’t aware, the store will be closing in fifteen minutes.” That means that you want to let someone know the store is closing, if they didn’t know that already.
We also use the phrase in case to talk about something that might happen in the future.
For example, you might say, «Don’t buy a motorcycle, in case you end up with a broken leg like your cousin.»
One common phrase is “just in case,” which we use to talk about expected conditions.
For example, you might say, “We should bring an umbrella, just in case it rains.” That means that you want to bring an umbrella to prepare for the possible condition of rain.
Examples of Incase vs In Case in Sentences
Let’s look at some examples of the phrase in case in a sentence.
“Everyone should be able to do one card trick, tell two jokes, and recite three poems, in case they are ever trapped in an elevator.”—Lemony Snicket, Horseradish
“I have lots of things to teach you now, in case we ever meet, concerning the message that was transmitted to me under a pine tree in North Carolina on a cold winter moonlit night.”—Jack Kerouac, The Portable Jack Kerouac
“Have you ever had so many thoughts churning inside you that you didn’t dare let them escape in case they blew you wide open?”—Ellen Hopkins, Crank
“Aim higher in case you fall short.”—Suzanne Collins, Catching Fire
“When I buy a new book, I always read the last page first, that way, in case I die before I finish, I know how it ends. That, my friend, is a dark side.”—Nora Ephron, When Harry Met Sally
“People have to talk about something just to keep their voice boxes in working order so they’ll have good voice boxes in case there’s ever anything really meaningful to say.”—Kurt Vonnegut, Cat’s Cradle
Just Incase or Just In Case
As I mentioned earlier, just in case is a common phrase that includes in case. Here are some examples of what that looks like in action.
“I haven’t the slightest idea how to change people, but still I keep a long list of prospective candidates just in case I should ever figure it out.”—David Sedaris, Naked
“Luckily, I always travel with a book, just in case I have to wait on line for Santa, or some such inconvenience.”—David Levithan and Rachel Cohn, Dash & Lily’s Book of Dares
«Figuratively, literally, metaphorically—any way you want to look at it—everybody in L.A. keeps a bag packed. Just in case.”—Michael Connelly, The Brass Verdict
“Just in case you ever foolishly forget; I’m never not thinking of you.”—Virginia Woolf, Selected Diaries
“Hespe’s mouth went firm. She didn’t scowl exactly, but it looked like she was getting all the pieces of a scowl together in one place, just in case she needed them in a hurry.”—Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man’s Fear
Tips on Using Incase or In Case Correctly
One trick for remembering that in case has a space in it is remembering what these two words mean individually.
In case is essentially another way to say “in the case of,” so you can think of in and case as two separate words.
For example, «in case it rains» is synonymous with «in the case of rain.»
The word incase isn’t a real word, it’s just an incorrect spelling of in case.
The only exception is when you’re using it as a proper noun to describe the company Incase, which manufactures laptop cases.
Sometimes, people misspell the word encase as incase. Encase means “enclose or cover in a case.”
For example, you might say, «I don’t have enough wrapping paper to encase this entire gift.»
One mnemonic device for remembering the preferred spelling of encase is by remembering that encase means enclose, and both these words start with an E.
Therefore, if you mean enclose, you shouldn’t write incase; you should write encase.
There you have it: our favorite tips and tricks for remembering incase vs in case. Don’t forget to subscribe to ProWritingAid in case you forget the correct spelling.
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Should you spell it ‘incase’ or ‘in case’? What’s the difference between the two, you might be wondering? We’ll explain that in this article, plus teach you the definition and meaning, as well as how to use it correctly in a sentence.
Well, the short answer is that ‘in case’ is the only correct way to spell the word. ‘Incase’ isn’t a real word and should be avoided in your writing.
‘Incase’ or ‘In Case’ – One Word or Two?
As you just learned, the phrase ‘in case’ should be spelled as two separate words. Bunching them together wouldn’t be proper grammar.
‘Incase’ or ‘In Case’ – What’s the Difference?
So, what’s the difference between ‘incase’ and ‘in case’? Well, one is a word, and the other isn’t. We’ve already discussed that you need the space to make the phrase grammatical. It’s two separate words, not one word.
It might seem confusing since some words in the English language are accepted as one word or two.
‘Set up’ is just one example. It works as both one word and two, and they both mean two different things.
Definition and Meaning of ‘In’
Let’s take a look at the definition of both words and then the definition of the phrase as a whole.
The Merriam-Webster definition of ‘in’ is: “used as a function word to indicate inclusion, location, or position within limits,” “into,” “used as a function word to indicate means, medium, or instrumentality,” “used as a function word to indicate limitation, qualification, or circumstance,” “into,” “used as a function word to indicate purpose,” and “used as a function word to indicate the larger member of a ratio.”
It can also be defined as: “to or toward the inside, especially of a house or other building,” “to or toward some destination or a particular place,” “at close quarters: near,” “so as to incorporate,” “within a particular place,” “in the position of a participant, insider, or officeholder > often used with on,” “on good terms,” “in a specified location,” “in production, “in vogue season,” “in one’s presence, possession, or control,” and “from a condition of indistinguishability to one of clarity.”
In its adjective form, it means: “that is located inside or within,” “that is in position, operation, or power,” “inside,” “extremely fashionable,” “keenly aware of and responsive to what is new and fashionable.”
It can also mean: “influence, pull,” “a neutral chemical compound,” “enzyme,” “antibiotic,” and “organized public protest by means of or in favor of: demonstration.”
Phrases Containing the Word ‘In’
- In For (certain to experience)
- In case (as a precaution)
- In any case (without regard to or in spite of other considerations: whatever else is done or is the case)
- In case of (in the event of)
A few synonyms of the word include:
- By
- Via
- Per
- With
- Through
Definition and Meaning of ‘Case’
The Merriam-Webster definition of ‘case’ is: “a set of circumstances or conditions,” “a situation requiring investigation or action (as by the police),” “condition,” “an inflectional form of a noun, pronoun, or adjective indicating its grammatical relation to other words,” “such a relation whether indicated by inflection or not,” “what actually exists or happens: fact,” “a suit or action in law or equity,” “the evidence supporting a conclusion or judgment,” and “argument.”
It can also mean: “an instance of disease or injury,” “patient,” “an instance that directs attention to a situation or exhibits it in action: example,” “a peculiar person: character,” and “oneself considered as an object or harassment or criticism.”
The noun version of the word can be defined as: “a box or receptacle for holding something,” “a box together with its contents,” “set,” “pair,” “an outer covering or housing,” “a tube into which the components of a round of ammunition are loaded,” “a divided tray for holding printing type,” and “the frame of a door or window: casing.”
The verb definition is: “to enclose in or cover with or as if with a case: encase,” “to line (something, such as a well) with supporting material (such as a metal pipe),” and “to inspect or study, especially with intent to rob.”
Synonyms of this word include:
- Encasement
- Husk
- Casing
- Covering
- Pod
- Hull
- Capsule
- Patient
- Jacket
- Sheath
- Cocoon
- Shell
Meaning of the Phrase ‘In Case’
We’ve seen what the words mean separately. So, what does the entire phrase mean?
According to Merriam-Webster, it means: “as a precaution against the event that” and “if.”
How to Use ‘In Case’ in a Sentence
Now that you know the definition and meaning of the words, let’s look at how to use them in a sentence correctly.
Take a look at a few examples:
- I’m bringing my adapter just in case they don’t have any for sale in Ghana.
- In case I don’t make it back, tell Michael I love him.
- Let’s just get the travel insurance just in case, since we’ll be traveling for a few months.
- I have a first aid kit in my trunk, just in case we need it.
- Choose a backup color, just in case your original choice isn’t available.
- My husband is a survivalist who preps for the apocalypse, just in case it actually happens one day.
Concluding Thoughts on ‘In Case’
To recap, we’ve learned that ‘in case’ is the only correct way to spell this phrase. Any other spelling would be ungrammatical and incorrect. Therefore, you should only spell it with the space.
If you ever get stuck on which is the correct spelling, you can always revisit this page.
We’ve got a ton of other content you might want to check out. We’ve created a whole library of articles that talk about common confusing words and phrases in the English language you might come across.
Last Update: Jan 03, 2023
This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested!
Asked by: Burley Osinski
Score: 4.8/5
(51 votes)
How to Remember the Difference Between Incase and In Case. As we mentioned above, incase is an incorrect spelling of the verb encase; you should strictly avoid this misspelling. Always use encase as a verb. On the other hand, the phrase in case is used to refer to if something happens.
How do you use incase?
Trick to Remember the Difference
Incase is a misspelling of the verb encase. As a result, you should always use encase as a verb. The phrase in case, when used to mean if something happens, should remain two words. Even better yet, you should shorten it to if or when whenever possible.
Is the word incase one word or two?
Just in case you haven’t figured this out already: the expression “in case” is two words, not one. There is a brand of equipment covers sold under the incase brand, but that’s a very different matter, to be used only when you need something in which to encase your iPad.
Is it just in case or just in case?
If you do something in case or just in case a particular thing happens, you do it because that thing might happen.
Is in case proper?
Incase is an incorrect spelling of encase. Encase is a verb, which means to enclose something within another matter. When you mean something like this, always use encase over incase.
22 related questions found
Which tense is used after in case?
GRAMMAR: Choosing the right tense• Use the simple present tense with in case to talk about a possible future event. Don’t use ‘will’. You say: Write it down in case you forget. ✗Don’t say: in case you will forget• Use the simple past tense with in case when talking about the past.
What can I use instead of in case?
synonyms for in case
- contingent upon.
- given.
- if.
- if and only if.
- in the case that.
- in the event.
- subject to.
- supposing.
How do you use incase in a sentence?
In case
- Shall I keep some chicken salad for your brother in case he’s hungry when he gets here? ( conjunction)
- In case I forget later, here are the keys to the garage. ( …
- She knows she’s passed the oral exam, but she doesn’t want to say anything just in case. ( …
- I’ll take cash in case we need it on the ferry. (
How do you write just in case?
Is the word incase one word or two words? “Incase” consists of one word when it’s an alternate spelling of the verb encase. “In case” is two words when it’s a conjunction or adverb in phrases like ‘just in case’ or ‘in case of. ‘
What is the difference between in case and in case of?
These two expressions are very similar, they both basically mean if something happens. The main difference in use is grammatical. In case — to express that we are doing something in preparation for something which might happen. … In case of — to say what we should do if or when something happens.
What is the use of in case?
We use in case to express that we are doing something in preparation for something which might happen. Take an umbrella in case it rains! I’ll buy some more wine in case this bottle is not enough.
Is due to in a sentence?
Simple Example 1: The traffic jam was due to a terrible accident at the intersection. In the above-mentioned sentence, the phrase due to has been used to present the reason for the noun traffic jam. The reason for traffic jam, grammatically a noun entity, is a terrible accident.
How do you use for example in a sentence?
You use for example to introduce and emphasize something that shows that something is true. Take, for example, the simple sentence: «The man climbed up the hill.»
What is mean by in case?
1 : as a precaution against the event that carries a gun in case he is attacked. 2 : if in case we are surprised, keep by me— Washington Irving.
Should instead of in case?
In the given context, there’s no difference. They mean the same. should is also used as ‘if’ and thus, this word too talks about the condition -in the event that/if something happens. should -expresses a condition i.e. just in case!
What is the meaning of in this respect?
Definition of ‘in this respect/in many respects‘
You use expressions like in this respect and in many respects to indicate that what you are saying applies to the feature you have just mentioned or to many features of something. The children are not unintelligent–in fact, they seem quite normal in this respect.
Is just in case formal?
“In case” is different. It is an idiomatic phrase that we use when we talk about taking precautions. … “Just in case…” is a common informal version of the phrase.
What word can I use instead of would?
synonyms for would
- authorize.
- bid.
- decree.
- enjoin.
- exert.
- intend.
- request.
- resolve.
What’s just in case mean?
phrase. You can say that you are doing something just in case to refer vaguely to the possibility that a thing might happen or be true, without saying exactly what it is. I guess we’ve already talked about this but I’ll ask you again just in case.
What is future time clause?
Future time clauses are dependent clauses that must be joined to independent (main) clauses. It is customary to use the future in the independent clause and the present tense in the dependent (time) clause. Do not use the future in the time clause.
Is due to grammar?
But according to traditional grammar rules, it’s usually not the right choice. Technically speaking, “due to” should only be used as an adjective and come after a noun. … “Cancellation” is a noun, and “due to” is describing it. “Because of,” on the other hand, should modify verbs.
How do you use due tomorrow?
It has to be done by tomorrow at some specified time. For example, if your class starts at 6 pm tomorrow, and the homework will require one hour to complete, then you can start any time between now and 5:00 pm tomorrow. «It’s due tomorrow.»
Asked by: Burley Osinski
Score: 4.8/5
(51 votes)
How to Remember the Difference Between Incase and In Case. As we mentioned above, incase is an incorrect spelling of the verb encase; you should strictly avoid this misspelling. Always use encase as a verb. On the other hand, the phrase in case is used to refer to if something happens.
How do you use incase?
Trick to Remember the Difference
Incase is a misspelling of the verb encase. As a result, you should always use encase as a verb. The phrase in case, when used to mean if something happens, should remain two words. Even better yet, you should shorten it to if or when whenever possible.
Is the word incase one word or two?
Just in case you haven’t figured this out already: the expression “in case” is two words, not one. There is a brand of equipment covers sold under the incase brand, but that’s a very different matter, to be used only when you need something in which to encase your iPad.
Is it just in case or just in case?
If you do something in case or just in case a particular thing happens, you do it because that thing might happen.
Is in case proper?
Incase is an incorrect spelling of encase. Encase is a verb, which means to enclose something within another matter. When you mean something like this, always use encase over incase.
22 related questions found
Which tense is used after in case?
GRAMMAR: Choosing the right tense• Use the simple present tense with in case to talk about a possible future event. Don’t use ‘will’. You say: Write it down in case you forget. ✗Don’t say: in case you will forget• Use the simple past tense with in case when talking about the past.
What can I use instead of in case?
synonyms for in case
- contingent upon.
- given.
- if.
- if and only if.
- in the case that.
- in the event.
- subject to.
- supposing.
How do you use incase in a sentence?
In case
- Shall I keep some chicken salad for your brother in case he’s hungry when he gets here? ( conjunction)
- In case I forget later, here are the keys to the garage. ( …
- She knows she’s passed the oral exam, but she doesn’t want to say anything just in case. ( …
- I’ll take cash in case we need it on the ferry. (
How do you write just in case?
Is the word incase one word or two words? “Incase” consists of one word when it’s an alternate spelling of the verb encase. “In case” is two words when it’s a conjunction or adverb in phrases like ‘just in case’ or ‘in case of. ‘
What is the difference between in case and in case of?
These two expressions are very similar, they both basically mean if something happens. The main difference in use is grammatical. In case — to express that we are doing something in preparation for something which might happen. … In case of — to say what we should do if or when something happens.
What is the use of in case?
We use in case to express that we are doing something in preparation for something which might happen. Take an umbrella in case it rains! I’ll buy some more wine in case this bottle is not enough.
Is due to in a sentence?
Simple Example 1: The traffic jam was due to a terrible accident at the intersection. In the above-mentioned sentence, the phrase due to has been used to present the reason for the noun traffic jam. The reason for traffic jam, grammatically a noun entity, is a terrible accident.
How do you use for example in a sentence?
You use for example to introduce and emphasize something that shows that something is true. Take, for example, the simple sentence: «The man climbed up the hill.»
What is mean by in case?
1 : as a precaution against the event that carries a gun in case he is attacked. 2 : if in case we are surprised, keep by me— Washington Irving.
Should instead of in case?
In the given context, there’s no difference. They mean the same. should is also used as ‘if’ and thus, this word too talks about the condition -in the event that/if something happens. should -expresses a condition i.e. just in case!
What is the meaning of in this respect?
Definition of ‘in this respect/in many respects‘
You use expressions like in this respect and in many respects to indicate that what you are saying applies to the feature you have just mentioned or to many features of something. The children are not unintelligent–in fact, they seem quite normal in this respect.
Is just in case formal?
“In case” is different. It is an idiomatic phrase that we use when we talk about taking precautions. … “Just in case…” is a common informal version of the phrase.
What word can I use instead of would?
synonyms for would
- authorize.
- bid.
- decree.
- enjoin.
- exert.
- intend.
- request.
- resolve.
What’s just in case mean?
phrase. You can say that you are doing something just in case to refer vaguely to the possibility that a thing might happen or be true, without saying exactly what it is. I guess we’ve already talked about this but I’ll ask you again just in case.
What is future time clause?
Future time clauses are dependent clauses that must be joined to independent (main) clauses. It is customary to use the future in the independent clause and the present tense in the dependent (time) clause. Do not use the future in the time clause.
Is due to grammar?
But according to traditional grammar rules, it’s usually not the right choice. Technically speaking, “due to” should only be used as an adjective and come after a noun. … “Cancellation” is a noun, and “due to” is describing it. “Because of,” on the other hand, should modify verbs.
How do you use due tomorrow?
It has to be done by tomorrow at some specified time. For example, if your class starts at 6 pm tomorrow, and the homework will require one hour to complete, then you can start any time between now and 5:00 pm tomorrow. «It’s due tomorrow.»
When it comes to the correct spelling of “in case,” there are two options: in case or incase. So, which one is right? It turns out that incase is the incorrect spelling and should never be used in your writing! In this post, we’ll teach you the difference between these common words.
The English language is full of tricky words like play it by ear or play it by year. There are words that look almost identical but have totally different meanings. The words incase or in case are prime examples. Just like within vs with in, they are only separated by a single space. But which is correct?
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- In Case – Is the grammatically correct choice. It actually follows the same spacing rules as up to vs upto. In case it means “if” or “in the event that.” For example, you might say “I’m going to pack a spare set of clothes in case my luggage gets lost.”
- Incase – Not a word. This is a common misspelling of the word encase. Encase means to cover in a case.
Takeaway: The spellings incase and in case are NOT the same! In case is the correct spelling.
How To Use In Case
The phrase “in case” is the correct spelling of this common phrase. It follows many of the same grammar rules as how ever vs however. It can be used as a conjunction or an adverb just like greatly appreciated or grately appreciated, and it means if something happens or if something is true.
- For example, you might say “I’m bringing my umbrella just in case it rains.” This means that if it does rain, you’ll be prepared.
- Or you might say “I’m going to wear my glasses just in case I need to read the menu.” This means that if you can’t see the menu clearly, you’ll be able to use your glasses to read it.
Conjunctions like but yet can be great! But you need to understand the different types on conjunctions and make sure you are using them correctly!
Takeaway: “In case” is used to prepare for expected conditions that are upcoming.
Sentence Examples
Just like with the phrases, bare with me or bear with me, figuring out how to use “in case” can be tricky.
- In case you haven’t noticed, I’m fabulous.
- I brought an umbrella just in case it rains tonight.
- All the students brought home their books in case their was a snow storm.
- I asked my boss for the reports in case the client requests them.
- I told my friend to save me a seat in case I made it in time for the show.
How To Use Incase
To be perfectly clear, incase is not a word. When you see the spelling incase, this means one of two words was misspelled:
- In case
- Encase
In my experience, encase is the most common misspelling writers make, just like the words nevertheless or nonetheless. “Encase” can be used as a transitive verb, meaning to enclose something in or as if in a case.
For example, you could say “I encased the sandwich in plastic wrap” or “The vase was encased in bubble wrap.” In either case, the object is enclosed in some kind of protective material.
Takeaway: The word incase is a spelling mistake and should not be used! There is an incase brand, but that is the exception to the rule.
Easy Memory Trick
Whenever I teach a new grammar rule, I like to provide a memory trick to simplify things. I will admit that some of my memory tricks may not be all that helpful…but they make sense in my head. Memory tricks helped me master is it aunty or auntie!
- Memory Trick: The phrase in case consists of two words. This term means “if something happens”. If you can remember that if & in are both two letter words…then you can remember to in case is the correct spelling!
What About In The UK?
There are often small differences in British vs American English grammar rules. However, they actually follow the same grammar rule in the UK. The right word is in case & it should always be used over incase!
Common Synonoms
- In case of emergency: This one is perfect for those times when you’re feeling particularly anxious or paranoid.
- As a precaution: This is a great alternative for when you want to sound a little bit more cautious and responsible.
- To be on the safe side: This is perfect for when you’re not really sure what the outcome of a situation will be but you want to err on the side of caution.
- Just in case something goes wrong: This is ideal for those moments when you’re feeling particularly pessimistic about a situation and you want to be prepared for the worst.
- Better safe than sorry: This is another great option for when you want to emphasize the importance of being cautious.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it correct to say if in case?
Yes, “if” and “in case” can be used to reference future possibilities. For example, you might say “I’ll bring an umbrella in case it rains,” meaning that you have the potential to rain. Similarly, you could say “I’ll call if I’m going to be late,” meaning that there’s a possibility that you will be late.
Is just in case one word or two?
Just in case is two words. It means that you do something as a precaution, just in case something bad happens. For example, you might pack a spare set of clothes “just in case” your luggage gets lost on the way to your vacation destination. The word “incase” is not a real word.
How do you use the word in case?
The most common usages of “in case” are to say “In case of emergency” or “just in case”. “In case of emergency” is the most common usage of the phrase. It means that you should do something to prepare for a potential emergency. “Just in case” is used to mean that you’re doing something in case something happens.
Whats the definition of incase?
Incase isn’t a word. This is a misspelling of the word encase. To encase something is to enclose it in, or as if in, a case. This could be done for protection, as when one might encase a valuable item in a sturdy container, or simply to keep something contained.
The Bottom Line
Now you know the difference between these two separate words. The preferred spelling in case should be used in any situation. The spelling incase is the incorrect spelling. Other popular conjunctions like other than or other then follow similar spelling rules. Now you know that adding just a single space can completely change the meaning of a word or phrase altogether. Use this tip to improve your writing today!